The Lexus IS F - in the form of the IS F CCS-R - will climb into the skies of Colorado for the first time next month.

The enhanced version of Japan's M3 fighter will compete in the Pikes Peak event, dubbed 'Race for the Clouds'.

Based on the IS F Circuit Club Sport package launched in overseas markets last year, the CCS-R sticks with the regular 311kW 5.0 litre V8 and eight-speed auto, while dropping a huge 314kg in weight.

The weight loss has come from chucking out most of the luxury gear and replacing it with carbon fibre dashboard and interior trim, and a full HANS-compliant racing bucket seat. The glass windows have been replaced with polycarbonate.

The racer is fitted with the requisite racing and safety gear, along with gigantic Yokohamas front and rear to keep everything in contact with the ground.

Pike's Peak won't be the CCS-R's first competitive outing. The speedy Lexus has competed in a number of races, most notably the German VLN 10 series.

The Lexus is not the only Toyota car to compete at the peak this year, with the EV P002 electric prototype taking on Nissan and Mitsubishi's offerings in the electric category.

The 90th running of the Pikes Peak International Hill Climb will takes place from July 3 to 8.